UPDATE - A17 shut between Newark and Sleaford after lorry fire

UPDATE - The A17 is currently closed between the B6403 Ermine Street and the A1/Newark bypass junction due to a lorry fire and is expected to remain closed for the rest of the day.

Crews from Brant Broughton, Newark and Sleaford were called to deal with the blaze on the A17 near Beckingham outside the traveller site at about 10.20am this morning (Tuesday).

According to police the Mercedes lorry belonging to a firm in West Yorkshire was loaded with mattresses. A police spokesman said: “The fire has done some damage to the road surface. It was quite a severe fire and the road will now be closed until an estimated 10pm tonight.”

he went on: “The lorry is being recovered at the moment and that will take another two to three hours.”